Accelerator Fellowship Programme

Advancing Ethical AI Through Collaboration

📍 Hosted by: Institute for Ethics in AI, University of Oxford
🌍 Location: Remote and/or Oxford, UK
🗓 Application Deadline: 10 January 2026
👥 Cohort Size: 3–4 Fellows
⏳ Duration: 6 or 12 months
💼 Type: Fellowship (non-employed position)

About the Fellowship

The Accelerator Fellowship Programme is a pioneering initiative of the Institute for Ethics in AI (Oxford) aimed at addressing urgent ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The programme is grounded in philosophical inquiry, academic independence, and a humanistic, collaborative ethos.

The fellowship supports impact-driven work that delivers real-world outcomes through:

• Professional development opportunities

• Strategic networks and cross-sector collaboration

• Practical, policy-based, and ethical AI solutions

Fellowship Themes

Each fellow will focus on one of the following areas:

• AI and Creativity

• AI in Care, Mental Health & Healthcare

• AI and Humanity

• AI, Law & Policy

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is open to academics and professionals worldwide who are actively engaged with AI-related opportunities and challenges.

Ideal candidates are:

• Committed to ethical and responsible AI

• Motivated to create real-world impact

• Passionate about academia–industry collaboration and thought leadership

Backgrounds Welcomed

• Creative sectors

• Healthcare, social care, mental health

• Humanities and social sciences

• Computer science and AI development

• Government, policy, law, and civil society

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent professional standing
  (minimum 5 years relevant professional experience accepted)

• Propose a project aligned with the programme’s mission and themes

• Be proficient in English

What the Fellowship Offers

Fellows will receive:

• Access to Oxford’s research networks and AI ethics expertise

• Mentorship and intellectual engagement with Oxford scholars

• Visibility through seminars, public discussions, and events

• Flexible participation alongside existing professional roles

Fellowship Format

• Remote participation with optional short visits

• Or in-person stay in Oxford (up to 6 months at a time)

• Visits subject to UK immigration and visa eligibility

• Fellows are not employees of the University

Funding & Benefits

Each fellowship includes:

• £2,000 per month stipend (living, travel, accommodation)

• Possible additional funding (case-by-case) for:

  • Workshops

  • Seminars

  • Public events or exhibitions

Applicants seeking extra project funding must include a clear project proposal.

Key Dates

2025/2026 Cohort

• Applications open: 18 November 2025

• Deadline: 10 January 2026

• Earliest remote start date: Late February 2026

• In-person start dates: April or September 2026

2026/2027 Cohort

• Applications open: 16 May 2026

• Deadline: 13 June 2026

How to Apply

Step 1

Complete the online application form via the official link.

Step 2

Email one single PDF (max 10MB) to:
📧 [email protected]
Email subject: AFP Fellowship Application

File name format:
Surname_Name_Month_Year_AFP application

Required Documents (Single PDF)

1. One-page project statement outlining:

   • Project focus and outputs

   • Alignment with programme goals

   • Societal, policy, or business impact

   • Long-term collaboration potential

2. Motivation letter

3. Two-page CV

4. Copy of current passport (attached in same email)

Selection Process

• Competitive selection by expert panel

• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed

• Final decisions are communicated in writing

• Submission does not guarantee acceptance